The Clone Wars on the Down-Low

A recent incident by a virtual acquaintance of mine, a verbal lashing from their five-year-old concerning their ignorance of the Clone Wars, prompted me to right a very shameful wrong in my life – I am not current with The Clone Wars. When the series began I was very diligent with my viewership, but somehow over time life got hectic and I missed an episode here and there. Feeling that I was unable to keep up with the story line (I’m the sort who won’t watch a movie if they come in even a second after a film starts.) I stopped watching the show thinking that I would catch up over some long weekend.  Now months later, as we are all waiting for season 4 to begin in the Fall, I’m desperately trying to get caught up.  I have, like a good parent, educated my child from an early age about Star Wars and my now teen-aged daughter has a strong knowledge and love of the Saga. The only thing worse than her apparent, unavoidable seduction by the dark side now that she is a teenager, would be a disdainful scolding due to my ignorance of all things current with The Clone Wars.  I have blithely avoided being cornered with questions about the current scenarios of this 3^rd season by making fresh baked goods, favorite meals and hosting the occasional sleepover. Knowing that these tactics cannot last forever, I finally devised a plan to review the entire series and get caught up before the premiere of season 4 this Fall.


While my initial intention was to avoid the disparaging remarks bestowed on all parents by their teenagers, I have so utterly enjoyed reviewing the series that I can’t believe I ever let myself get behind.  From the initial orchestral horns that let you know that it’s Star Wars , to the pounding drums of war that tell you this is also something new. Each episode is like a mini Star Wars film filled with characters you know and love, sweeping scores, visual excitement and above all – great storytelling. You learn things you didn't know about characters we all thought we knew so well and are introduced to others you never knew existed. There are new species, starships, droids and worlds to explore. It is a multimedia feast. Still, what is most miraculous is how griping the stories are considering you already know the ending. I can’t count how many times my heart has raced as I wondered at a story’s outcome.  I actually caught myself worrying that Anakin or Obi-Wan might not make it through a crisis but then remembering that this is pre-Episode III and they'll both be okay. It's been an exercise in tenacity staying spoiler free, but so far so good, lol.  Don't think that you can't jump right in and start watching episodes on Cartoon Network, Fridays at 8:30 pm because you can. I've watched many episodes out of order and found them very entertaining and not the least bit confusing due to any lack of continuity. If you share my OCD status and want to get the fullest pleasure out of the series, then I strongly suggest purchasing the season 1 & 2 DVDs. You can view the series before purchasing by going to Netflix.com where seasons 1 and 2 are now available for DVD rental. Afterwards, you can view episodes from season 3 on StarWars.com.  I have also included an episode guide at the end of this article to help you on your own quest to Clone Wars enlightenment.

The Movie

The Television Series

Finally, if you’re a Star Wars fan over the age of 16 who thinks that Episodes I – VI are all there is to know about Star Wars, then think again. Do yourself a favor and take a look at Star Wars: The Clone Wars, the movie, and The Clone Wars television series.  As the Clone Wars announcer says...

“The galaxy isn’t far, far away any more [and] The Force will be with you!”

The Clones Wars Episode Guide

No.	Title	Date	Description
101	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: Ambush	October 3, 2008	Challenged by Ventress, Yoda leads three clone troopers against a huge droid army.
102	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: Rising Malevolence	October 3, 2008	The Jedi face a devastating new Separatist weapon.
103	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: Shadow of Malevolence	October 10, 2008	Anakin leads a strike on General Grievous' warship.
104	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: Destroy Malevolence	October 17, 2008	The heroes unite to destroy General Grievous' devastating warship!
105	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: Rookies	October 24, 2008	Rookie clones must fend for themselves against a Droid Commando invasion.
106	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: Downfall of a Droid	November 7, 2008	R2-D2 is lost during a fierce space battle -- and Anakin must find him before the Separatists discover the Jedi military secrets locked in his memory banks.
107	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: Duel of the Droids	November 14, 2008	Anakin, Ahsoka and replacement droid R3-S6 embark on a dual rescue/sabotage mission when they discover R2-D2 is being held at General Grievous' secret enemy listening post.
108	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: Bombad Jedi	November 21, 2008	Separatist forces mistake Jar Jar Binks for a Jedi Knight!
109	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: Cloak of Darkness	December 5, 2008	Ahsoka Tano and Jedi Master Luminara Unduli combat the deadly Ventress.
110	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: Lair of Grievous	December 12, 2008	General Grievous proves his allegiance to the Separatists -- at the expense of the Jedi.
111	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: Dooku Captured	January 2, 2009	During their own attempt to kidnap Count Dooku, Anakin and Obi-Wan discover that the Sith Lord has already been captured by pirates.
112	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: The Gungan General	January 9, 2009	While negotiating Count Dooku's ransom, Anakin and Obi-Wan are taken prisoner. The Jedi and Sith form an unlikely alliance in a bid to escape, with Jar Jar Binks as their only hope.
113	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: Jedi Crash	January 16, 2009	When Anakin is gravely injured in battle, Jedi General Aayla Secura must teach Ahsoka the Jedi philosophy of having no personal attachments.
114	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: Defenders of Peace	January 23, 2009	A pacifist village must choose a side in the Republic-Separatist war.
115	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: Trespass	January 30, 2009	Anakin and Obi-Wan find themselves in the middle of a territorial war.
116	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: The Hidden Enemy	February 6, 2009	Anakin and Obi-Wan discover evidence of a traitor in their ranks.
117	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: Blue Shadow Virus	February 13, 2009	Padmé and Jar Jar search for a Separatist bio-weapon lab.
118	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: Mystery of a Thousand Moons	February 13, 2009	Anakin and Obi-Wan have 48 hours to find the antidote for a deadly virus.
119	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: Storm Over Ryloth	February 27, 2009	Ahsoka disobeys Anakin's orders and loses most of her squadron -- prompting Anakin to help give his Padawan a lesson in a respect for authority, and the opportunity for redemption.
120	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: Innocents of Ryloth	March 6, 2009	Obi-Wan and a small clone force take on a powerful droid cannon.
121	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: Liberty on Ryloth	March 13, 2009	Mace Windu recruits Twi'lek freedom fighters to repel the droid invasion!
122	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: Hostage Crisis	March 20, 2009	Bounty Hunters seize control of the Senate Building -- unaware Anakin is still inside!
201	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: Holocron Heist	October 2, 2009	Cad Bane infiltrates the Jedi Temple and attempts steal an ancient Jedi Holocron.
202	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: Cargo of Doom	October 2, 2009	Anakin and Ahsoka intercept Cad Bane's warship, hoping to recover the stolen Jedi Holocron!
203	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: Children of the Force	October 9, 2009	Darth Sidious has a new dark assignment: kidnap Force-sensitive children from across the galaxy and bring them to Mustafar.
204	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: Senate Spy	October 16, 2009	At the Jedi Council's request, Padmé investigates a Separatist conspiracy in the Senate.
205	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: Landing at Point Rain	November 4, 2009	Anakin, Ahsoka and Ki-Adi-Mundi lead a landing party to destroy a droid factory on Geonosis!
206	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: Weapons Factory	November 13, 2009	Luminara and Anakin act as decoys to divert new enemy super-tanks, while Padawans Barriss Offee and Ahsoka attempt to destroy a Separatist droid factory.
207	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: Legacy of Terror	November 20, 2009	When Luminara goes missing, Obi-Wan and Ki-Adi-Mundi lead a platoon of clones in search of her. When the search leads to a mysterious lair, the Jedi are faced with a horde of undead warriors.
208	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: Brain Invaders	December 4, 2009	When Geonosian brain worms take control of their supply ship, Ahsoka and Barriss must battle to stop the vessel from unleashing the deadly plague upon the galaxy.
209	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: Grievous Intrigue	January 1, 2010	A Jedi Master is taken hostage and tortured by General Grievous. Anakin, Obi-Wan and Adi Gallia devise a daring rescue plan, but they soon realize the General has a plan of his own.
210	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: The Deserter	January 1, 2010	While searching for General Grievous on a distant planet, Rex encounters a deserter.
211	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: Lightsaber Lost	January 22, 2010	When a wily pickpocket steals Ahsoka's lightsaber, she enlists the help of an ancient Jedi to track down her weapon and reclaim her honor.
212	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: The Mandalore Plot	January 26, 2010	While investigating rumors of conspiracy surrounding Duchess Satine of Mandalore, Obi-Wan uncovers the truth about a mysterious Mandalorian plot.
213	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: Voyage of Temptation	February 5, 2010	As the Jedi and their clones defend Duchess Satine from assassination attempts, Anakin discovers that Obi-Wan and the Duchess have a history together.
214	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: Duchess of Mandalore	February 12, 2010	On the run from Republic authorities, Duchess Satine and Obi-Wan set off to discover the truth behind Death Watch.
215	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: Senate Murders	March 19, 2010	When Senator Onaconda Farr dies under suspicious circumstances, Padmé sets out to find the person responsible for the death of her favorite "uncle."
216	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: Cat and Mouse	March 26, 2010	Obi-Wan and Anakin must deliver supplies to Christophsis while the planet is under Separatist control. They encounter Separatist Commander Admiral Trench and get more than they bargained for.
217	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: Bounty Hunters	April 2, 2010	Anakin, Obi-Wan and Ahoska form an uneasy partnership with four deadly bounty hunters to help protect a local spice farmer from Hondo Ohnaka and his band of pirates.
218	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: The Zillo Beast	April 9, 2010	The Republic's new super-weapon awakens the fearsome Zillo Beast of Malastare. Now the Jedi must devise a way to contain the deadly creature.
219	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: The Zillo Beast Strikes Back	April 16, 2010	Republic forces bring the Zillo Beast back to Coruscant for study. When it escapes, the Jedi must choose between saving millions of lives and destroying the Zillo Beast.
220	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: Death Trap	April 23, 2010	A young boy wages war against the Jedi Knights who left him orphaned, bitter and alone.
221	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: R2 Come Home	April 30, 2010	When a band of bounty hunters leads Anakin and Mace into a deadly trap on Vanqor, it's up to R2-D2 to battle his way back to Coruscant and warn the Jedi.
222	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: Lethal Trackdown	April 30, 2010	After combing the Coruscant underworld for a young fugitive, Plo Koon and Ahsoka pursue him to Florrum for a climactic confrontation.
301	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: Clone Cadets	September 17, 2010	Five headstrong clones struggle to complete their training on Kamino.
302	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: ARC Troopers	September 17, 2010	The Separatists mount a massive attack on the clone factories of Kamino.
303	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: Supply Lines	September 24, 2010	The Jedi Council dispatches Senator Bail Organa and Representative Jar Jar Binks to the planet Toydaria...
304	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: Sphere of Influence	October 1, 2010	Ahsoka must team up with the Senator from Pantora, Riyo Chuchi, to aid the new chairman in recovering his kidnapped family...
305	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: Corruption	October 8, 2010	Padmé and Duchess Satine soon find something sinister lurking beneath Mandalore's serene facade.
306	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: The Academy	October 15, 2010	Ahsoka is assigned to teach a class at the cadet academy on Mandalore. Soon after she arrives, Duchess Satine's zealous nephew and his classmates uncover a nefarious plot...
307	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: Assassin	October 22, 2010	Tasked to protect Senator Amidala during a political mission to Alderaan, Padawan Ahsoka Tano is plagued by recurring visions...
308	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: Evil Plans	November 5, 2010	In the middle of a routine shopping trip on Coruscant C-3PO is abducted by the bounty hunter Cad Bane!
309	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: Hunt for Ziro	November 12, 2010	It's a race to get to Ziro the Hutt before it's too late.
310	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: Heroes on Both Sides	November 19, 2010	Padmé and Ahsoka travel in secret to the capital of the Confederacy of Independent Systems...
311	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: Pursuit of Peace	December 3, 2010	Padmé, Bail Organa, and Onaconda Farr attempt to rally Senators to save the Republic.
312	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: Nightsisters	January 7, 2011	When Ventress survives Dooku's assassination attempt, the jilted former apprentice vows to take revenge, enlisting her kinswomen -- the Nightsisters of Dathomir -- in her scheme.
313	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: Monster	January 14, 2011	Through their witchcraft, the Nightsisters transform Savage Opress into a monstrous killer designed to turn on his new master.
314	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: Witches of the Mist	January 21, 2011	Anakin and Obi-Wan, sent to track down the mysterious figure behind the deaths of several Jedi, soon find themselves on the trail of the monstrous apprentice that Ventress has created....
315	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: Overlords	January 28, 2011	A mysterious force draws Anakin, Obi-Wan and Ahsoka to a distant planet, and its inhabitants -- a family of exceptionally powerful Force-wielders -- in an attempt to determine whether Anakin is truly the Chosen One.
316	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: Altar of Mortis	February 4, 2011	Before the Jedi can leave Mortis, the Son takes Ahsoka captive in an attempt to entice Anakin into joining him...
317	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: Ghosts of Mortis	February 11, 2011	The Jedi remain stranded on Mortis, and the Son aligned with the dark side of the Force renews his efforts to convert Anakin as the Jedi prepare for a decisive confrontation.
318	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: The Citadel	February 18, 2011	An elite team of Jedi and clone troopers led by Obi-Wan and Anakin attempt to free a captive Jedi general, Even Piell, from an impenetrable prison.
319	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: Counterattack	March 4, 2011	With freed prisoners in their possession and the brutal warden attempting desperately to thwart them, Obi-Wan and Anakin search for a way out of the Citadel and back to Coruscant.
320	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: Citadel Rescue	March 11, 2011	After their ship and the only way off-planet is destroyed, Anakin and Obi-Wan must lead the escaped prisoners across Lola Sayu's perilous landscape!
321	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: Padawan Lost	April 1, 2011	Ahsoka finds herself trapped on a Trandoshan moon, prey in an elaborate and cruel hunt.
322	The Clone Wars Episode Guide: Wookiee Hunt	April 1, 2011	As Ahsoka and her allies struggle to evade the Trandoshan hunters, their efforts receive an unexpected boost when a new captive -- Chewbacca the Wookiee -- arrives.

Episode Guide content from the Star Wars Clone Wars Archives found at starwars.com. 

Why I Love the Prequels - Part I

Why I Love the Prequels

In honor of the Star Wars Prequel Appreciation Society contest that ends May 18th.  I figured I would write a few lines about Why Strwrsgrl loves, the Prequels!

      1.       Obi-Wan Kenobi
I have always been a fan of Sir Alex Guinness. His performance and mere presence as Obi-Wan Kenobi in the original trilogy lent an immediate sense of honor and nobility to the character as well as to the Jedi order. He is, in fact the first Jedi we ever met.  However, Ewan McGregor stepped into the daunting role of playing not only a much beloved character in the most known franchise in the world, but also the boots of Sir Alex Guinness and did so to great success. Ewan McGregor and the Prequel storyline did something I never thought possible. Both revealed new dimensions to Obi-Wan Kenobi, someone I thought I knew so well.

It’s like the day when you grow up and realize that your parents aren’t just your mom and dad, but that they had a life before you and are actually their own, individual people. Obi-Wan had a Master who he questioned, who he respected and loved, dearly.  Ewan McGregor brought sex appeal to a character that was a father figure for decades and made him a man. Obi-Wan was a young, powerful and fervent Jedi before he fulfilled his final destiny of mentor to Luke. He had a passionate and tenacious spirit that enabled him to defeat Anakin, a much more powerful Jedi. Obi-Wan was able to defeat Anakin because he was on the side of what was right. His humble, selfless surrendering of himself to that end, the defeat of evil, gave him the fortitude to be victorious. In every battle that Obi-Wan faces he is not arrogant, does not gloat, but he does not stop until he succeeds.  Even his surrender of himself to Darth Vader’s Sword was to this end, the ultimate success of Luke. When Obi-Wan meets Han Solo and Chewbacca in the Cantina, his almost blasé demeanor makes perfect sense after seeing the prequels. Obi-Wan after all fought in the Clone Wars, defeated many foes like General Grievous and lived to fight another day after facing Lord Vader. He was there when “dinosaurs” walked the earth. Jedi like Yoda, Mace, Qui-Gon, etc. So the fact that he is not impressed by Han Solo is no big deal. The prequel just makes Obi-Wan make even more sense to me.

 

      2.       Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader
As with any character in the original trilogy that also appears in the prequels, more of who that character is is revealed.  We only know Anakin by name in the original trilogy or by Obi-Wan’s recollections of him.  The prequels give us a chance to finally know this man, father, husband and Jedi who would eventually turn his back on everything he knows and loves.  Without the prequels his ultimate betrayals in the original trilogy— the most stellar of which is revealed after removing Luke’s hand, “Luke, I am your father!” — have no meaning.  How could you take vows as a Jedi, turn your back on them and aid the execution of their order. How could you betray the only father you have ever known? How could anyone torture and hunt down their son and daughter? All these things are revealed in the prequels.  Not only are they revealed but they make them believable, maybe even inevitable. The most iconic cinematic villain of modern times becomes pitiable.  More miraculous than this, his journey becomes one that is a map of redemption for us all.  If Darth Vader can turn his back on good, do the evil things that he has done—which seem unforgiveable—and yet have the very object of that betrayal, Luke, enable his return to the light, then maybe all of us can slough off the shame of past acts that stop us from reaching our ultimate potential. We learn from the Saga ultimately that it ain’t over until it’s over.  You can always choose to do the right thing and redeem yourself no matter how badly you have messed up.

      3.       Shmi Skywalker
I think that Shmi Skywalker is my favorite unsung hero in the prequels. What a formidable woman! Shmi is not formidable because she is physically imposing or a good fighter. She comes from the most humble beginnings. She is a poor, single mother who doesn’t even possess her own freedom. Yet, from this lowly beginning it is she and not the Jedi who truly begins Anakin’s training. Anakin knows nothing of greed; he is selfless and has been taught to listen to his heart. Aren’t these ultimately the things that Yoda teaches Luke? It is Shmi’s teachings that allow Anakin to tap into the power that is within him. Shmi is a selfless mother. Willing to give him up so that he can have a better life. Allowing him to pursue his passion, being a pilot, even though it “kills [her] when he does it”.  The way she holds on, just so she can see Anakin again. The torture she must have endured for that meeting; yet, somehow I know she would not wish on the Sand People the fate that Anakin gave them.  Shmi Skywalker is a Jedi Master.

 

      4.      The Emperor
Darth Vader is still the coolest villain ever to hit the silver screen. He is as aesthetically beautiful as he is flawed. But, for every Frankenstein’s monster that exists there is the brilliant, mad scientist who created him. And Senator Palpatine, the Emperor, is that man. In the original trilogy, Lord Vader was the icon that I learned to fear. There was a glimpse of the evil, disfigured Emperor, but what could possibly be worse than finding out that it is your father who has betrayed you? (I was the poster child for Daddy’s Girl.) Possibly, being an orphan who wants to do the right thing and being lead down a road by someone you trust and admire who enables you to destroy and betray everything you have ever loved. If someone had told me before seeing the prequels that there could be a more perfect villain than Darth Vader and that I would learn to pity Vader, I would have told them that they were crazy. Palpatine is not only the most cunning politician and masterful manipulator, but he has absolutely no conscience. Even Vader, shows remorse. In the original trilogy Vader explains that he ‘must’ obey his Master and the dark side of the Force. You can see that Lord Vader has been blinded by the drug, Power, that Palpatine has given him a taste of. Though Lord Vader willfully chooses the dark path over good in the prequel, his sadness, pain and shame are evident. While Palpatine sits quietly, coolly as he tells the story of murdering his mentor in his sleep. He isn’t sorry, he revels in the fact that he stole his mentor’s like while he was none the wiser of the danger. Palpatine is so charming that you completely understand and accept why Vader made the choice that he did. You can’t watch the prequels without saying, darn; I wish he was on my side. He is that good at being bad. I’ve said it once and I will say it again; I have no idea why Ian McDiarmid was not nominated for a best supporting actor Oscar!

 

5.   The Star Wars Saga
I could go on and on about why I love the prequels.  I could mention the action sequences. Finally seeing the Jedi Order, the Clones in action, the battles, the planets, etc. It is all miraculous. The main reason that I love the prequels is that it makes the Star Wars mythology more complete.  We not only have the Hero’s Journey, the Ultimate Redemption,  a more complete view of the Force, the birth and death of a government but many other mythologies that you can find to be entertained and educated by.  The layers of the original trilogy that I loved because of all that was to be learned in each viewing has now been increased exponentially.  I have learned insights that I never thought I would and the potential to learn more is there. It is just a matter of opening your eyes to see what you have not seen. The best advice I can give anyone who thinks that there isn’t much to love about the prequels is to do what you have done with the originals: watch them, again and again. Every viewing reveals more and more.

May the Force Be With You, Always!